Thursday, May 1, 2008

Day 121: Numbers 7

SUMMARY:The leaders of the tribes brought gifts to be used in the service of the tabernacle. First they brought oxen and carts for transporting the structure. These were given to the priests. Moses did not give any to the sons of Kohath, though, because their job was to transport the holy objects. These were the items that God told them to make with rings on the sides for poles to be inserted through. These articles would always be carried by the poles on the shoulders of the sons of Kohath, so they would not need carts.

Next the prince of each tribe brought gifts and offerings for the dedication of the altar. The list is exactly the same for each tribe:

burnt offerings -- one gold pan of 10 shekels (about 5 oz.) filled with incense, one bull, one ram, and one male lamb one year old

sin offering -- one male goat

peace (fellowship) offerings -- two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs one year old

REFLECTION & APPLICATION:Why do you think it was significant that each tribe gave exactly the same thing for the dedication ceremony? Are there things you have that you dedicate to God for His service? Should you dedicate more?

PRAYER:Lord, I want ALL of my life to be dedicated wholly to You -- not just Sunday mornings and bits and pieces of my life, time, money, abilities, etc. Let me be completely Yours. Because Jesus purchased me, Amen.